SOFIA: A Daughter’s Sacrifice in 1910s Crete

by Beryl Darby

Nicola and John are investigating further into Ronnie’s family. They visit Kassianae, an old lady living in Kastelli. Both her mother and grandmother worked for the family who lived in the big house in the village. Kassianae draws on her memories of the events and gossip related to her over the years and describes the life of Sofia and that of some of the other villagers. Sofia is forced into an arranged marriage to the tax collector due to his ingenious scheme for making money whilst collecting the tax due to the government. The tragic death of both of her parents, the illness and subsequent separation from her younger daughter are born with fortitude. Finally the disclosure of the secret that her husband has hidden from the village and his family for years is revealed.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2015